There’s something utterly delightful about the first bite of a Chocolate Caramel Brownie Bite. As you sink your teeth into one of these little gems, the rich, fudgy brownie gives way to a molten caramel center, creating a blissful explosion of flavor that feels like a warm hug on a cold day. I discovered this recipe during one of those long weekends when I craved something indulgent yet simple to whip up.
These brownie bites are not just any dessert; they’re a celebration of chocolate and caramel goodness, perfectly portioned for sharing (or keeping all to yourself). In under 30 minutes, you can create a batch that will have everyone raving – no fancy skills required, just the joy of home cooking. Whether you’re trying to impress guests, surprising your family, or treating yourself, these bites will quickly become your new go-to sweet. Let’s dive into how you can make these delicious treats that transform chocolate cravings into pure bliss!
Why are Chocolate Caramel Brownie Bites irresistible?
Heavenly combination: The rich dark chocolate melds beautifully with gooey caramel, delivering a flavor experience unlike any other.
Quick and easy: With just 28 minutes from start to finish, you can whip up a delightful treat with minimal fuss.
Perfect for sharing: Each bite is a small indulgence that’s sure to delight friends and family at gatherings or cozy nights in.
Beginner-friendly: No advanced baking skills are required—just follow the simple steps, and you’ll impress everyone with your delicious results!
Customizable joy: Feel free to add toppings or swap ingredients to create your own version, making these bites even more special.
Chocolate Caramel Brownie Bites Ingredients
For the Brownie Batter
• Unsalted butter – provides richness; use room temperature for easy mixing.
• Dark chocolate morsels – the star of the show; opt for high-quality chocolate for deep flavor.
• Granulated sugar – sweetens and adds to the fudgy texture; can be substituted with brown sugar for a richer taste.
• All-purpose flour – gives structure; ensure it’s measured correctly for the best results.
• Large eggs – binds the batter; take them out in advance to reach room temperature.
• Kosher salt – enhances flavor; don’t skip it even if you’re avoiding salt—just a pinch works wonders!
For the Caramel Filling
• DOVE® PROMISES Caramel Milk Chocolates – adds a gooey surprise inside; perfect for a decadent center.
For the Frosting
• Unsalted butter (softened) – ensures a creamy consistency; beat it until fluffy for the best texture.
• Powdered sugar – sweetens and thickens the frosting; sift it to avoid lumps.
• Unsweetened dark chocolate cocoa powder – adds depth; use high-quality cocoa for a rich flavor.
• Milk – helps to achieve the right consistency; a splash more or less can adjust the texture.
• Caramel sauce – integrates caramel flavor into the frosting; you can use homemade or store-bought.
Now that you have all the ingredients lined up and ready to go, your journey to heavenly Chocolate Caramel Brownie Bites is just a step away! Happy baking!
How to Make Chocolate Caramel Brownie Bites
-
Preheat oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and spray a mini muffin pan with baking spray. This helps keep your brownie bites from sticking while they bake.
-
Melt chocolate: In a large, microwave-safe bowl, combine the unsalted butter and dark chocolate morsels. Microwave for one minute, then stir. Continue heating in 30-second intervals until smooth and glossy—this is your luxurious brownie base!
-
Mix ingredients: Gently add the granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, eggs, and kosher salt to your melted chocolate mixture. Blend just until combined; make sure not to overmix for the fudgiest texture!
-
Fill muffin tins: Using a 1 tablespoon cookie scoop, evenly divide the brownie batter among the prepared muffin tins. Bake for 11-13 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs. Unwrap your DOVE® PROMISES Caramel Milk Chocolates while they bake to save time!
-
Add caramel center: Once the brownie bites are baked to perfection, remove them from the oven and immediately press a caramel chocolate into the center of each bite. Allow them to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
-
Make frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, milk, and caramel sauce until smooth and velvety (about 3-5 minutes). Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Pipe or spoon this creamy frosting onto each cooled brownie bite for an added delightful touch!
Optional: Drizzle extra caramel sauce on top for a sugary embellishment.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Chocolate Caramel Brownie Bites are fantastic for meal prep and can be made ahead of time, saving you precious moments on busy days! You can prepare the brownie batter up to 24 hours in advance by mixing everything and storing it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. Alternatively, once baked, these delightful bites can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Just be sure to let them cool completely before sealing them up to maintain that perfect fudgy texture. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply add the caramel and frosting just before serving for that fresh-baked warmth. Your friends and family will love that they taste just as delicious as if they were made on the spot!
How to Store and Freeze Chocolate Caramel Brownie Bites
Room Temperature: Store brownie bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and texture.
Fridge: If you’d like them to last longer, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just make sure to let them come to room temperature before enjoying for the best flavor.
Freezer: To freeze, wrap each brownie bite tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge or on the counter, then warm in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for that fudgy, gooey experience!
Expert Tips for Chocolate Caramel Brownie Bites
Don’t Overmix: When combining ingredients, mix just until combined; overmixing can lead to tough brownies.
Quality Chocolate Matters: Invest in high-quality dark chocolate morsels for a richer flavor experience in your Chocolate Caramel Brownie Bites.
Perfect Caramel Center: Press the DOVE® PROMISES Caramel Milk Chocolates into the warm brownie immediately for that molten center; timing is key!
Cool Completely: Allow brownie bites to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting for the best texture and to prevent melting.
Frosting Consistency: Adjust the milk in the frosting to achieve your desired consistency; it should be smooth and pipeable, not runny.
Chocolate Caramel Brownie Bites Variations & Substitutions
Get ready to personalize your delightful brownie bites with these fun and tasty twists!
-
Nutty Addition: Add ½ cup of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the brownie batter for a crunchy contrast.
-
Minty Fresh: Incorporate a drop of peppermint extract into the chocolate mixture for a refreshing mint chocolate fusion.
-
Spicy Kick: Sprinkle in a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the brownie batter for a surprising spicy twist that elevates the flavor.
-
Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour for a deliciously safe option for gluten-sensitive friends.
-
Chocolate Layers: Swap the DOVE® PROMISES Caramel Milk Chocolates with chocolate-covered caramel candies or even a layer of peanut butter for an added flavor burst.
-
Frosting Fun: Experiment with flavored extracts in the frosting, like vanilla or almond, to create a unique topping that suits your preference.
-
Fruitful Surprise: Mix in a handful of mini chocolate chips or dried cherries into the brownie batter for delightful bursts of flavor in every bite.
-
Boozy Twist: Add a splash of rum or bourbon to the brownie batter for an adult twist that adds richness to the flavor profile.
Feel free to mix and match these variations to make your Chocolate Caramel Brownie Bites uniquely yours!
What to Serve with Chocolate Caramel Brownie Bites?
For a delightful and indulgent treat, pairing these brownie bites with the perfect accompaniments can elevate your dessert experience to new heights.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy, cold ice cream contrasts beautifully with the warm, fudgy brownie, enhancing the overall indulgence.
- Fresh Berries: Juicy strawberries or raspberries add a tart balance to the rich sweetness of the brownies, creating a pop of freshness.
- Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle some extra chocolate sauce on top for an indulgent touch, making every bite even more decadent.
- Espresso or Coffee: A rich, dark roast coffee complements the chocolate flavor beautifully, providing a cozy warmth that pairs perfectly.
- Caramel Drizzle: For those who can’t get enough, a light drizzle of caramel over the top adds an extra layer of sweetness and visual appeal.
- Chopped Nuts: Add some crunch with chopped walnuts or pecans sprinkled on top; the texture will enhance your brownie experience.
- Milkshake: Blend your favorite flavors into a creamy milkshake for a fun and nostalgic pairing, perfect for dessert lovers of all ages!
- Mint Leaf Garnish: A sprig of mint adds a refreshing element to the presentation while highlighting the chocolate flavors.
- Chocolate Fondue: Serve your brownie bites with a bowl of warm chocolate fondue for an interactive dessert experience that’s sure to impress!
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream creates a light and airy contrast to the rich brownie bites that everyone will love.
Chocolate Caramel Brownie Bites Recipe FAQs
What type of chocolate should I use?
Absolutely, choose high-quality dark chocolate morsels for the best flavor. It really does make a difference! You can opt for semisweet chocolate as an alternative, but aim for chocolate that’s at least 60% cocoa for that rich depth.
How do I store leftover brownie bites?
You can keep your delectable Chocolate Caramel Brownie Bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer a longer shelf life, store them in the fridge for up to 1 week. Just remember to let them come to room temperature before indulging for optimal taste!
Can I freeze my brownie bites?
Yes, indeed! To freeze, wrap each brownie bite tightly in plastic wrap, then place them into a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature, and warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore that fudgy texture.
What should I do if my brownie bites come out dry?
If you find your brownie bites are drier than expected, you may have overbaked them. Be sure to check them around the 11-minute mark. Since oven temperatures can vary, use a toothpick test and remove them when moist crumbs stick to the pick, but no wet batter remains.
Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
Yes! If you’re baking for someone with dietary restrictions, be aware that this recipe contains gluten, dairy, and eggs. You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, use dairy-free butter, and find egg replacements like applesauce or flaxseed meal for an alternative that works well in your baking.
Can I use different types of caramel candies?
Very much! If you can’t find DOVE® PROMISES Caramel Milk Chocolates, you can use any soft caramel candies like Werther’s Original or even homemade caramel. Just ensure they melt well within the brownie for that gooey center!
Irresistible Chocolate Caramel Brownie Bites You’ll Adore
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and spray a mini muffin pan with baking spray.
- In a large, microwave-safe bowl, combine unsalted butter and dark chocolate morsels. Microwave for one minute, then stir. Continue heating in 30-second intervals until smooth.
- Gently add granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, eggs, and kosher salt to the melted chocolate mixture. Blend just until combined.
- Using a 1 tablespoon cookie scoop, evenly divide the brownie batter among the prepared muffin tins. Bake for 11-13 minutes.
- Once baked, immediately press a caramel chocolate into the center of each bite and allow to cool for about 15 minutes.
- To make the frosting, beat the softened butter, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, milk, and caramel sauce until smooth. Pipe or spoon onto each cooled brownie bite.